Conserver for pressurized gas tank

ABSTRACT

A pressurized gas supply system includes a pressurized container which expands and contracts. The container includes a one-piece liner molded from a polymer which is reinforced by a high tensile fiber such as KEVLAR®. A valve is molded into the liner, and a regulator is connected to the valve. A hose, having a conserver positioned therealong, extends between the regulator and a fitting allowing a user to inhale gas from the container. The container is carried in a carrying bag, which can be in the form of a carrying case, a purse, or a back-pack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a division of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/864,058entitled Ambulatory Storage System For Pressurized Gases and which wasfiled on May 23, 2001 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to storage systems for pressurized gasses,and, in particular, to an expandable, collapsible ambulatory storagesystem.

[0004] High-pressure gases are typically stored in steel or aluminumcontainers. For example, oxygen is stored in steel or aluminumcontainers (or cylinders) for use in aviation (spacecrafts, private,military and commercial airplanes), by scuba divers, in hospitals,emergency vehicles, and by patients requiring oxygen therapy. Inaviation, oxygen is supplied in specially designed high-pressurecanisters.

[0005] In the medical field supplemental oxygen is prescribed topatients who suffer from a variety of respiratory disorders, due torespiratory insufficiency or respiratory failures such as, obstructivepulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, interstitial or restrictive lungdisease, emphysema, congestive heart failure and during surgicaloperations. The typical modes of oxygen delivery are concentrators thatconcentrate atmospheric oxygen, pressurized canisters, high pressurecylinders made of steel or aluminum, or liquid oxygen systems thatconvert liquid oxygen to a gaseous state for ambulatory or domicile use.High-pressure cylinders are often wrapped with other high-tensilestrength material for structural reinforcement such as carbon fiber, orother materials.

[0006] The steel or aluminum cylinders store gases at a range ofpressure that depends on application. Supplemental oxygen storagedevices for example store oxygen at a pressure of up to 3000 psi (poundsper square inch). For therapeutic use or other applications the pressureis lowered using a pressure regulator. In the case of therapeuticapplication it is regulated down to atmospheric pressure.

[0007] Existing gas storage devices suffer from many limitations,including economic, safety, ergonomic, human factors and environmentaldrawbacks. Aluminum or steel cylinders are expensive to manufacture andare not environmentally compatible. They are costly to distributebecause of their weights and pose a safety hazard if ruptured ordropped. The economic attractiveness of these devices is diminished in aflat reimbursement healthcare system (such as under HMO's) and insituations where it is difficult to supply patients with the requiredcylinders, such as patients in remote locations.

[0008] Furthermore there is a high acquisition or capitalization costassociated with purchase of infrastructure needed for entry into thisbusiness because of the per-unit cost of steel or aluminum. This posesbarriers to entry and ultimately limits competition with a resultingpenalty in cost of care. These issues are compounded by the high cost ofmanufacture.

[0009] From a safety point of view, high-pressure storage devices madeof steel or aluminum can fragment when ruptured. The fragments areeffectively shrapnel, and can cause severe injury or even death topeople in the vicinity of the cylinder when it ruptures.

[0010] Notwithstanding the long-term rehabilitative benefits of oxygen,patient compliance as well as adoption of high-pressure containers as asupplemental oxygen source has been a problem. The existing cylindersare not portable (they are too heavy), are uncomfortable to carry, orare esthetically displeasing. In response, several lightweighthigh-pressure gas storage containers made from a synthetic material havebeen proposed.

[0011] Scholley (U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,403) describes a container in theform of a continuous length of hose incorporating a series of expandeddiameter storage sections and flexible connecting sections into itslength. The storage chambers are interconnected by narrow bent conduitsand attached to the back of a vest that can be worn by a person. Thedevice embodies a pressure regulator at one end, which regulates supplyof compressed gas to the mouth of the user.

[0012] Scholley's container includes an interior liner, constructed offlexible material, covered by braided fibers, which may be formed of asynthetic material such as nylon, polyethylene, polyurethane,tetrafluoroethylene, or polyester. The liner is covered with areinforcing material, such Kevlar (an aramid fiber having a tensilestrength three times the strength of steel) and impregnated by aprotective coating of material such as polyurethane.

[0013] The Scholley container suffers from several limitations, makingit impractical for high-pressure applications. The tubular shape of theindependent containers does not provide adequate reinforcement forstorage of high-pressure gas, and the narrow, bent conduits areunreliable when used in cyclical and repetitive filling and emptyingapplications. Furthermore it is costly and difficult to manufacturebecause of the required fittings, geometry of the conduits, amount ofmaterial and pieces that must be assembled. Another limitation of theScholley container is that when the tubular high-pressure gas device isinstalled longitudinally within a vest, it is impractical. When thestorage device is pressurized, it is as hard, rigid, and difficult tobend; and thus cannot be worn as clothing that overlaps the body.

[0014] Cowley (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,491,752 and 3,432,060) describes alightweight flexible pressure container made in the form of a coiledspiral tube. While compact, the device is limited to applications ofshort duration. Storage capacity cannot be increased by using a largertube due to flexibility and weight penalties.

[0015] Farr (U.S. Pat. No. 1,288,857) describes a life preserver madefrom multiple interconnected cylinders, that are made from rubber, clothor fabric. The geometry and configuration of the connecting pipes andcylinders pose severe challenges to manufacture and personal use, and asa result is infeasible.

[0016] Alderfer (U.S. Pat. No. 2,380,372) describes a portable containersystem that is built into a parachute pack to provide oxygen toparachutists. The container system includes a length of hose in the formof concentric coils that conform to the shape of the seat.

[0017] Warnke (U.S. Pat. No. 3,338,238) describes a multi-cell containerwhich is flat or oval-shaped in cross-section. This container suffersfrom similar limitations as the other containers; i.e., the inabilityand/or expense to manufacture, and inability to conform to the body forpersonal use.

[0018] Sanders (U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,464) describes a container system,consisting of interconnected ellipsoidal chambers. A tubular coreconsisting of gas exchange apertures (for evacuation) connects thechambers. The Sanders container is also very expensive to manufacture.

[0019] Arnoth (U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,405) discloses a vest which can beworn by emergency personnel. The vest has a self-contained unit with asource of oxygen. Oxygen is stored in pressurized canisters in the frontof the vest. The back of the vest includes collapsible channels throughwhich the oxygen passes, and which contain CO₂ scrubbers to remove CO₂from the gas being inhaled by the emergency personnel. These channels donot form or define pressurized containers for the oxygen.

[0020] No one, to my knowledge, has developed a light-weight pressurizedcontainer which is economical to manufacture, and is easily carried bythe user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The feasibility of using a polymeric containers for medical,emergency or recreational gas transport has never been demonstrated orreduced to practice because of design, packaging and manufacturingchallenges. I have developed a new container for the transport of gases,such as medical, emergency and recreational (scuba diving, mountainclimbing, hiking, etc.) gases. Of course, other gases can also betransported or carried by the container. The container or vesselincludes a liner constructed of polymeric material, which, in someembodiments possesses the appearance of a wine rack, with a hollow framethat is wound in an ellipsoidal fashion by a reinforcing fiber, butmolded as one integrated whole.

[0022] The hollow container serves as the storage reservoir forcompressed gas, and the conduit for filling and withdrawal of thecontained gaseous fluid. The container is volumetrically sized forapplication specific capacity, embodying filling and withdrawalmechanisms, a means of regulating the delivery pressure of the gas tothe user, as well as a conserving device that delivers gas oninspiratory demand as opposed to continuously. The regulator and fillingmeans are located anteriorly on the container.

[0023] This container will hold compressed gases at pressures of morethan 2000 psi. This is achieved by the arrangement of the chambers orpassages, the walls of which provide structural strength to thecontainer when pressurized, like trusses do for a bridge. Ordinarily,materials deform when subjected to forces beyond their elastic limit.The rib-like parallel arrangement of the passages acts as a structuralreinforcement for the container, expanding during filling and collapsingas it is emptied. This arrangement also provides a spring-like effectthat assures geometrical integrity when the acting force is removed. Theliners are further reinforced with a fiber material.

[0024] The effect of the reinforcement of the line is to amplify thetensile and compressive strength of the interconnected reservoirs orpassages, by boosting the elastic limit and spring constant of thematerial, thereby reducing the probability of premature rupture undertension and deformation due to compressive and tensile loads.

[0025] Briefly stated, the preferred gas container or tank of thepresent invention defines a volume for storing gas under pressure. Thevolume comprises at least one generally horizontal channel, and at leastone generally vertical channel which are in fluid communication witheach other such that gas in the container can flow freely between thechannels. Preferably, there are at least two vertical channels (one oneach side of the container) and at least two horizontal channels (a topand a bottom channel). There may also be diagonal channels.

[0026] In one embodiment, the container is rigid and has a top surface,a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, and side surfaces,the surfaces cooperating to define the volume. A plurality of slotsextend between opposite walls of the container. The slots are hollow,and are defined by slot walls, and the slot walls, in turn, define thechannels. The slots can be nearly any desired shape or combination ofshaped. For example, the slots can be rectangular, round, kidney shaped,oval. The slot walls can be generally flat or outwardly curved.

[0027] In another embodiment of the container, the container expandsupon pressurization and contracts as gas is emptied from the container.In this embodiment, the container includes interconnected conduits whichdefine the horizontal and vertical channels. At least one of thehorizontal and vertical conduits are expandable/contractible conduitswhich are movable between an expanded state when the container ispressurized and a contracted state when the container is unpressurized.The expandable/contractible conduits can be accordioned, or define atleast a portion of a wave.

[0028] The container or tank includes a regulator, a conserver (whichpreferably is remote from the container). A first hose extends from theregulator to the conserver and a second hose extends from the conserverand has a fitting on the end thereof to enable a user to breath the gasfrom the container. Preferably, a carrier is provided for the containerto facilitate carrying of the container by the user.

[0029] The carrier can be a back pack, a purse-type pack, or awaist-pack. No matter what type, the carrier is provided with a strapoperable to secure the carrier to a person. The strap includes ordefines a tube for holding the hose adjacent the strap for at least aportion of the length of the strap. In one embodiment, the strap isformed as a hollow tube and defines the tube. In another embodiment thetube extends along an outer surface of the strap and the hose isthreaded through the tube. In an alternative embodiment, the tubeincludes a slot or groove through which the hose can be pressed.

[0030] The conserver includes a body having an inhalation chamber and anexhalation chamber which are in fluid communication with each other viaa first port. A diaphragm in the inhalation chamber divides theinhalation chamber into a first part and a second part. A check-valve inthe first port prevents the flow of oxygen from the inhalation chamberto the exhalation chamber.

[0031] An outlet passage to which the hose connects extends from thebody. The outlet passage is in communication with both the inhalationchamber and the exhalation chamber via an outlet port and an exhalationport, respectively. A check valve is placed in the outlet port toprevent gas from entering the inhalation chamber from the outletpassage. A pressure activated exhalation valve in the exhalation portselectively opens and closes the exhalation port.

[0032] A neck extends up from the body. The neck defines a chamber andincludes an inlet to which a hose is connected to place the neck chamberin communication with the container. A plunger is axially movable in theneck chamber between an upward position and lowered position. Theplunger has a stem which engages the diaphragm to move the diaphragmdown as the plunger moves down. A seal around the plunger defines anair-tight seal between the plunger and the neck and divides the neckinto a neck upper chamber and a neck lower chamber. The plunger isbiased to an upward position by a spring.

[0033] A control passage extends from the neck to the exhalation valveto place the valve in communication with the neck chamber. A supplypassage places the neck chamber in communication with the inhalationchamber second section; the supply and control passages are reciprocallyplaced in communication with the neck upper chamber (and the container)and the neck lower chamber as the plunger reciprocates between itsupward and lowered positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressurized container of thepresent invention;

[0035]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional view taken alongline 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0036]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthe container;

[0037]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thecontainer;

[0038]FIG. 4A is a is a side elevational view of further embodiment ofthe pressurized container;

[0039]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of thepressurized container;

[0040]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an expandable/collapsiblepressurized container;

[0041]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6,but with the container pressurized;

[0042]FIG. 8 is an elevational view of alternative embodiment of theexpandable/collapsible pressurized container;

[0043]FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 ofFIG. 8;

[0044]FIG. 10 is a third embodiment of the expandable/collapsiblepressurized container;

[0045]FIGS. 10A and 10B are side and front views, respectively, of thecontainer of FIG. 10;

[0046]FIG. 11 is a diagram of a pneumatic conserver for use with the gasstorage system;

[0047]FIG. 11A is a diagram of an electronic conserver;

[0048]FIG. 11B is schematic of the electronic conserver;

[0049]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a purse-like carrier in which thepressurized container can be placed to be carried by a user;

[0050]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another carrying case adapted tohold one of the containers of the present invention; the container beingshown in phantom;

[0051]FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a carrier adapted to hold acontainer of the present invention;

[0052]FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view through a strap of the carrierof FIG. 14 and taken along line 14A-14A of FIG. 14;

[0053]FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of a person wearing a carriercontaining the pressurized container;

[0054]FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view taken through the strap of thecarrier of FIG. 15 and taken along line 15A-15A of FIG. 15;

[0055]FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of a person wearing a back-packcarrier for carrying a pressurized container;

[0056]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative back-packarrangement for carrying a pressurized container; and

[0057]FIG. 18 is a view of a person carrying a container in a waist orfanny pack.

[0058] Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout theseveral figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] The following detailed description illustrates the invention byway of example and not by way of limitation. This description willclearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, anddescribes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives anduses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the bestmode of carrying out the invention. Although my system is describedprimarily in conjunction for use with therapeutic gases (i.e., oxygen),it will be appreciated that the container can be used with any other gasor gas mixtures which is pressurized. Thus, for example, the containeralso can be used to store hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, acetylene, etc.This list, of course, is exemplary only, it is not intended to belimiting, and it will be understood that other gases or gas mixtures canalso be stored in the container of the present invention.

[0060] The feasibility of using a polymeric container for medical,emergency or recreational gases has never been demonstrated or madecommercially available because of design, packaging and manufacturingchallenges. I have developed a new polymeric container for use in astorage system for storing gases under high pressure. Severalconsiderations were important in the design of the container. Theseconsiderations include:

[0061] 1. Length of use: The duration of ambulation at a predefined rateof gas use by the user should be equal to or greater than traditionalcontainers (i.e., cylindrical steel or aluminum containers).

[0062] 2. Shelf life: The shelf-life of stored gas in the containershould be at least 1 year (length of time before stored gas is totallydiffused).

[0063] 3. The container should be impervious to external contaminationby infusion of gas through the walls of the container.

[0064] 4. The container should be able to be pressurized and emptiedmany times with consistent reliability to a nominal pressure of 2000psi.

[0065] 5. The container should function reliability in varyingtemperature conditions.

[0066] 6. The purity of stored gas should be maintained indefinitely(i.e., there should be no chemical reaction with the container; noleaching, no odor).

[0067] 7. The container should weigh considerably less than existinghigh-pressure metal gas cylinders in the market.

[0068] 8. The container should not fragment if ruptured.

[0069] 9. The container should be environmentally friendly, recyclableand disposable.

[0070] 10. The container should be easy to assemble (integrated unitwith insert molded valve system)

[0071] 11. The container should be inexpensive to manufacture.

[0072] 12. The container preferably is ergonomically and aestheticallyappealing.

[0073] A first illustrative embodiment of a pressurized container orbladder 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The container 10includes a molded inner liner 12. The liner 12 is formed from a polymer,such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a low-densitypolyethylene (LDPE), or nylon. The liner 12 can also be made fromPebax®, a polyolefin-based polymer available from Atofina Chemicals ofPhiladelphia, Pa. Pebax® has carbon filler for added strength, and ismore flexible than LLDPE; although LLDPE can be formed or bent moreeasily than Pebax®. The liner 12 can be made by injection molding, blowmolding, rotomolding, or any other conventional method. Preferably, thecontainer has a wall thickness of 0.05 to 0.07 inches (1.3 to 1.8 mm) togive the liner a desired volume to weight ratio. The wall thickness canbe reduced without sacrificing the strength of the liner, as a result ofthe proportional gain in tensile strength achieved with the fiberreinforcing jacket, as discussed below.

[0074] The polymeric liner 12 preferably contains additives such asstabilizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, colorants, plasticizers,fillers or reinforcements, flame retardants, other polymers, or anynumber of organic and inorganic additives used alone or in combination.

[0075] Plastic materials offer good thermal insulation due to their lowthermal conductivity. In applications where heat dissipation is aproblem, such as extreme temperature conditions that arise from thermalcycling during summer and winter conditions, attention must be paid tothe insulative properties of the polymer, since temperature cycling alsoaffects the pressure within the container and hence the containershelf-life. In this invention additives or reinforced thermoplasticmaterial grades (composite materials) are used to significantly insulatethe container from heat loss or heat gain.

[0076] Most plastic materials are flammable and will burn to some degreeor decompose when subjected to combustive conditions. The design of anambulatory storage system for pressurized gases must take thesephenomena into consideration. A polymer such as polyethylene will igniteand burn readily, while a thermosetting phenolic will simply char. Theflammability resistance of the present invention which consists of apolymeric container, constructed for example from polyethylene isimproved using flame retardant additives.

[0077] Similarly, many plastic materials have poor weather resistance.The combined effect of ultraviolet energy (from sunlight) and oxidationcan lead to deterioration in color and other properties over time. Thisis of concern in the design of a long term ambulatory storage system forpressurized gases that is intended for long term internal and outdooruse. In this invention, the long term weather resistance is improvedsignificantly using ultraviolet stabilizers and antioxidants asadditives.

[0078] The liner 12 can also be formed from a matrix composite, such asa carbon fiber or a resin/fiber combination. The carbon fiber orresin/fiber combination is embedded within a matrix of a thermosettingor thermoplastic polymer.

[0079] Three other polymeric materials have been evaluated that producegood results, when biased with a high tensile strength fiber materialsuch as Kevlar, namely: PVC (polyvinyl chloride), Pellethane, athermoplastic polyurethane elastomer available from Dow, and Texin, athermoplastic polyurethane resin from Bayer Plastics Division. All threematerials present a high barrier to gas diffusion and effusion; that is,gas can be stored within a container made of either material for a longperiod of time with negligible loss of content due to permeation.Permeability is defined as the volumetric flow rate of gas through amembrane barrier such as the wall (or liner) of the container. In thecase of this invention the wall material is a polymeric membrane orcarbon fiber matrix and the permeant gas is therapeutic oxygen (or othergas stored within the container). The preferred permeability value forpolymeric membranes is 0.2 Barriers or less. Two of the candidatematerials, namely Pellethane and PVC conform most to the designrequirements of a fiber reinforced high pressure gas storage containersystem, and as a result are the preferred materials.

[0080] A protective, moisture impervious film 14 is applied to thepolymeric or matrix composite liner 12 to substantially prevent thepressurized gas (which can be at pressures of up to 2000 psi or more)from external contamination by moisture due to atmospheric humidity,accidental or intentional abuse that spills liquid over the container10, or contamination by external gasses. The film 14 can be epoxy,santoprene, or polyurethane.

[0081] Because polymeric materials have a lower tensile strength thansteel or aluminum, without an external biasing material to elevate thetheoretical yield point of the container, when subjected to internalloading, most polymers will yield and rupture, under tensile stressbefore reaching operating pressure of 2000 psi. Worse yet, to achieve asafety factor of two (2) or more would be near impossible without anexternal reinforcing or biasing material. To achieve tensile strength asgood as the traditional baseline materials (i.e., aluminum and steel),while reducing the overall weight of the container 10, a reinforcingjacket 16 is applied to the liner 12. The film 14, which is an adhesive,secures the jacket 16 to the liner 12. The adhesive coating 14 isapplied to the liner 12 under pressure to glue the jacket 16 to theoutside of the liner.

[0082] The jacket 16 is made from a high tensile strength fibermaterial, such as KEVLAR® (available from DuPont under the product codesKEVLAR 29 and KEVLAR 49), S-Glass, E-Glass, Steel Wire, HS Polyethylene,and High-Tenacity Carbon (which has an initial modulus of 1350gm/denier, a tenacity of 100 gm/denier, a flex life of 100%, and anelongation at break of 1.2%-1.5%). These materials are preferred becauseof their specific tensile strength and high decomposition temperatures.The jacket 16 is formed preferably from threads of the material whichare wrapped about the container so that the direction of the thread willbe perpendicular to the radial force exerted by the gas in thecontainer. For the containers of FIGS. 1-5 (which as discussed below,are rigid) the jacket 16 can be molded about the liner 12.

[0083] KEVLAR® fibers are made of long molecular chains produced frompolyparaphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented withstrong interchain bonding which result in a unique combination ofproperties which give the fibers high tensile strength coupled withlight weight. KEVLAR® is five times stronger than steel on an equalweight basis, yet at the same time flexible and comfortable.

[0084] Another attribute of KEVLAR® is that it is hydrolytic anddegradation can occur when exposed to strong acid bases. At neutral pH(pH 7), the filament tenacity remains virtually unchanged after exposureat 149° F. (65° C.) for more than 200 days. The further the pH deviatesfrom a pH of 7, the greater the loss in tenacity. Strength lossdetermination is accomplished by comparing strength data at roomtemperature for control and exposed yarn.

[0085] There is a tendency for most fibers to regain moisture dependingon the relative humidity (RH) and temperature. Most fibers like KEVLAR®have a tendency to pick up or give off ambient moisture content at agiven temperature and humidity level. Relative humidity also has asignificant effect on the rate of moisture absorption by KEVLAR® and theequilibrium level reached. The higher the relative humidity, the fasterKEVLAR® absorbs moisture during the initial phase of moisture gain andthe higher the final equilibrium level. Bone-dried KEVLAR® is preferablyused because it will reach a slightly lower equilibrium moisture levelthan fiber that has never been bone dried.

[0086] The container preferably is sealed from moisture andenvironmental chemical exposure by a coating 18. While KEVLAR ischemically stable under a wide variety of exposure conditions, certainstrong aqueous acids, bases and sodium hypochloride can causedegradation, particularly over long periods of time and at elevatedtemperatures. KEVLAR does not melt but decomposes at relatively hightemperatures (800° F. to 900° F. [427° C. to 482° C.]) in air andapproximately 1,000° F. (538° C.) in nitrogen, when tested with atemperature rise of 10° C. per minute. For this reason it is importantthat the KEVLAR material be shielded by a non-thermal absorbing materialto maintain its' specific weight to strength property. Thus, an outercoating 18 is applied over the jacket 16. The coating 18 is made from amaterial that is non-gas absorbing, and will not readily conduct heat(so that the coating 18 will not act as a heat sink). In the case offiber composite matrix container, a polymeric liner material shields thestored gas from contact with the internal walls of the container andreaction with the carbon fiber as well as prevents contact with externalgases and moisture contamination.

[0087] The material used for the coating 18 should not have a melttemperature higher than the reinforcing fiber material of the jacket 16.The high temperature to which the reinforcing fiber material is exposedduring application of the coating 18 may alter the engineeringproperties and strength of the jacket 16. The coating 18 can be madefrom a fluorocarbon, such as Teflon which will add stiffness to theassembly and have a higher melting temperature than other elastomericmaterials. The coating 18 can also be made from polyurethane.Polyurethane can be sprayed over the jacket 16 to keep the strands orthreads which make up the jacket together, as well as to provideprotection from moisture and ultraviolet rays. Polyurethane can beapplied at a relatively low temperature, and a catalyst can beincorporated to speed up the curing process after the polyurethane hasbeen applied to the container jacket 16. Polyurethane is a troughUV-resistant material, which can be applied in a wide range ofdurometers. This makes polyurethane a good choice for use as the outerprotective coating 18.

[0088] Additionally, an outer fire retardant fabric or coating 19 isapplied around the coating 18 to protect the container from rapidignition in the event of accidental contact with flames due, for exampleto smoking. The fire retardant material is also preferably waterrepellant. The coating 18 shields the jacket 16 from ultra violetradiation and extreme temperatures, which have been shown to reduce thetensile strength of fiber. Fire retardant chemicals can be incorporatedinto the coating 18, to give the coating 18 the same properties as thecoating 19. In this instance, the coating 19 would not be required.

[0089] If the liner 12 is made from carbon fiber, then the jacket 16,and the adhesive layer 14 are not needed, and can be omitted. In thiscase, the coating 18 is applied directly to the liner 12.

[0090] To complete the container 10, the container is provided with avalve V. Because the liner 12 is molded, the valve V can be, andpreferably is, molded into the liner 12 as the liner is formed. Thevalve V is a standard valve for use with high pressure cylinders andincludes a threaded throat. A regulator R is connected to the valve toreduce the pressure of the gas exiting the container close toatmospheric pressure so that a user can breath in the gas. Preferably,the regulator is recessed in the container, as seen in FIG. 1 to providea low profile. Regulators are common in the industry, and are availablefor example, from Essex Industries, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo. The regulatorcan be threaded to the valve. Alternatively, the regulator and valve canbe formed as a unitary, one-piece assembly.

[0091] A conserver C is provided to provide for on-demand supply of thegas, so that gas is released from the container only when the user isinhaling, and not when the user is exhaling. Thus, a continuous outputof gas is prevented, and hence, the gas supply will last longer. Theconserver C can be connected directly to the output of the regulator.However, as shown in FIG. 1, the conserver C preferably is remote fromthe regulator, there being a hose H1 extending from the regulator to theconserver C, and a second hose H2 extends from the conserver C to aninhalation device I, such as a cannula. The remote conserver C allowsfor the cannula to be clipped to, for example, a user's belt. As isknown, the cannula C has prongs which extend into an individual's noseto allow the individual to breath oxygen from the container 10. Thecannula C could be replaced with a closed system such as a facial mask,nasal cup, or mouthpiece which covers the mouth and/or nose, such asused by scuba-divers, emergency personnel, for administration of medicalgases to patients (such as patients who suffer from apnea, or have otherbreathing problems) who require positive air pressure to assistbreathing, or in other situations in which a closed system is required.

[0092] The conserver can be a commercially available conserver, such asis available from Victor Medical of Denton, Tex. under the nameO₂nDemand, or from Mallinckrodt Medical under the name OxiClip. However,preferably, the conserver is one such as shown in FIG. 11.

[0093] The conserver C of FIG. 11 has a body 101 defining two chambers:an inhalation chamber 103 and an exhalation chamber 105. The chambers103 and 105 are in communication with each other via a port 107 having afilter 109. The port 107 is opened and closed by a check-valve 111. Apassageway 113 is in communication with the inhalation chamber 103 viaan inhalation port 115 and with the exhalation chamber via an exhalationport 117. A check valve 119 is positioned at the inhalation port 115 toopen and close the port 115; and an exhalation valve 121 is positionedat the exhalation port 117 to open and close the exhalation port. Thepassageway 113 terminates in a connector, so that the hose H2 can beconnected to the passageway 113, to place the inhalation device(cannula) in communication with the conserver C.

[0094] A diaphragm 125 is mounted in the inhalation chamber 103. Thediaphragm 125 includes a diaphragm plate 127 and a flexible membrane 129which extends between the periphery of the plate 127 and the side wallsof the chamber 103. The diaphragm 125 divides the chamber 103 into twosections: a lower or inhalation section 103 a which is in communicationwith the passageway 113, and an upper section 103 b, which is placed incommunication with the atmosphere via a port 131.

[0095] A neck 135 extends up from body 101. The neck 135 includes afloor 135 a, side walls 135 b, and a top 135 c, and houses a piston 136having a piston stem 137 and a piston head 143 extending up from the topof the stem. The piston stem 137 has a threaded lower end 139 which isreceived in a threaded opening 141 in the diaphragm disk 127. An O-ring144 near the bottom of the piston head 143 forms an air tight sealbetween the piston stem head 143 and the neck walls 135 b. The O-ring144 effectively divides the neck in to an upper neck chamber 135U and alower neck chamber 135L.

[0096] A spring 145 extends between the bottom of the piston head 143and the neck floor 135 a, and biases the piston 136 and diaphragm 125 toa normally upward position, as shown in FIG. 11. A volume control knob147 is external of the conserver neck, and is operatively connected tothe piston head 143, such that rotation of the knob 147 will rotate thestem head 143 and stem 137. As can be appreciated, rotation of the stemwill change the relative position of the diaphragm disk 127 in thechamber 103, and hence will adjust the size and volume of the chamber103 a.

[0097] The knob 147 includes a shaft 146 which is received in an opening148 in the top surface of the piston head 143. The shaft 146 is fixed tothe head 143 in the opening 148 so that rotation of the knob 147 willrotate the piston 136 to alter the position of the diaphragm 125, whileallowing for the piston to move axially relative to the knob shaft 146.For example, the shaft 146 can include an axial rib which is received inan axial groove in the piston opening 148. The shaft 146 passes throughan opening in the top wall 135 c of the stem. An O-ring is seated aroundthe knob shaft 146 to form an air tight seal between the shaft and thestem top wall to substantially prevent gas from escaping through theshaft opening in the stem top wall.

[0098] A connector 149 is near the top of the valve neck 135 and isconnected to the hose H1. Hence, gas from the container 10 enters intothe conserver C through the neck upper chamber 135U. An exhalation valvecontrol passage 151 places the exhalation valve 121 in fluidcommunication with the neck 135. The valve 121 is a diaphragm or balloonvalve, and when gas enters the passageway 151, the valve 121 closes theexhalation port 117. The connection between the passageway 151 and theneck 135 is near the O-ring 144, so that as the piston 136 reciprocatesaxially within the neck, as described below, the passageway 151 isalternately in communication with the neck upper chamber 135U and theneck lower chamber 135L. An inhalation supply passage 153 places theneck in communication with the inhalation chamber 103 a. Again, thesupply passage 153 is placed alternately in communication with the necklower chamber 135L and the neck upper chamber as the piston reciprocateswithin the neck 135.

[0099] As noted above, the conserver C is normally biased by the spring145 to the position shown in FIG. 11, wherein the exhalation valvecontrol passage 151 is in communication with the neck lower chamber135L. When gas (generally an oxygen-nitrogen mixture) enters the neckupper chamber 135U via the connector 149, the gas will fill, andpressurize, the neck upper chamber 135U. When the pressure in the neckupper chamber 135U exceeds the force of the spring 145, the piston 136will be forced axially downwardly within the neck 135. When the pistonmoves axially downwardly, with reference to FIG. 11, the O-ring 144passes the junction to the exhalation valve control passage 151 to placethe control passage 151 in communication with the neck upper chamber135U, and hence with the supply of gas. Thus, gas will flow through thecontrol passage 151 to pressurize the valve 121 to close the exhalationport 117 to the passageway 113. Additionally, as the piston movesaxially downwardly, the diaphragm 125 will also be urged downwardly. Thedownward movement of the diaphragm 125 will reduce the size of thechamber 103 a, causing the valve 111 to the exhalation chamber to close,and the valve 119 to the passageway 113 to open. Thus, gas will passthrough the passageway 113 to the hose H2, and the patient (or user)will be supplied with oxygen. When the piston 136 is at the end of itstravel, as shown in phantom in FIG. 11, the O-ring 144 is below theentrance to the supply passageway 153, to place the inhalationpassageway in communication with the neck upper chamber 135U, and hencethe supply of gas. The inhalation passageway 153 is greater in diameterthan the control passage way 151. Hence, when the piston 136 is at theend of its travel, the volume of gas in the neck upper chamber 135U isquickly dumped into the inhalation chamber 103 a through the passageway153. The filling of the inhalation chamber 103 a and the spring 145 actin concert on the diaphragm 125 and the piston 136 to return the piston136 and diaphragm 125 to the normal position. As the piston anddiaphragm travel to the normal position, the O-ring 144 passes theexhalation valve control passage 151, to place the passage 151 incommunication with the neck lower chamber 135L. The exhalation valve 121will then become depressurized, and, as the patient (or user) exhales,the valve 119 to the inhalation chamber 103 a will close; gas in thepassageway 113 will enter the exhalation chamber 105; the valve 111between the exhalation chamber 105 and the inhalation chamber 103 a willopen; and the exhalation chamber will be placed in communication withthe inhalation chamber. The gas in the exhalation chamber 105 will thenpass through the filter 109 and into the inhalation chamber 103 a. Thefilter 109 can be provided to remove moisture, CO₂, or other desiredelements from the gas passing from the exhalation chamber to theinhalation chamber.

[0100] The piston 136 and diaphragm will continue to reciprocate betweenthe raised (normal) and lowered positions to deliver gas through thehose H2 to the inhalation device 1 on a cyclical basis. The rate of thecycle depends on the pressure set at the regulator R, the force of thespring 47, and the volume of the chamber 103 a (i.e., the setting of theflow control knob 147). As can be appreciated, as the pressure from theregulator is increased, the cycle time of the conserver C will shorten.

[0101] While the preferred conserver C is pneumatic, as illustrated inFIG. 11, controlled delivery of oxygen to the patient can also beachieved with a smart electronic device. That is, the conserver can beelectronic, as opposed to pneumatic.

[0102] An electronic conserver 200 is shown in FIG. 11A. The conserver200 includes a sensor body 201 defining a chamber 203. An inlet 205placed the chamber in communication with the container or tank by thehose H1. The hose H2 is connected to an outlet 207. A piston 209reciprocates in the chamber between a raised position and a loweredposition (shown in phantom in FIG. 11A). In the raised position, theinlet 205 is in communication with the chamber 203 to fill the chamberwith oxygen. The piston 209 is activated, for example, by a solenoid orother controller 211, which extends and retracts the piston 209 toreciprocate the piston within the chamber. As can be appreciated, whenthe piston 209 is extended, oxygen is forced out of the outlet 207 todeliver oxygen to the user. When the piston retracts, the chamber isplaced in communication with the container to fill the chamber withoxygen. The activation of the solenoid, and hence the piston, iscontrolled by a CPU 213. The CPU emits a timed or periodic signal toactivate the solenoid 211, and hence, pump oxygen out the outlet 207. Ascan be appreciated, the shorter the interval between signals, the fasteroxygen will be pumped.

[0103] A block diagram of the conserver 200 is shown in FIG. 11B. Todetermine the rate at which oxygen should be pumped, the conserver 200includes a sensor 221, such as a linear sensor, in the nasal cannula oroxygen mask to measure either the oxygen or carbon-dioxide content ofexhaled gases. The sensor 221 generates a signal representative of thecomposition of the exhaled gas in the cannula; and the CPU 213 receivesthe signal from the sensor. Preferably, the sensor 221 senses the CO₂content of the exhaled gas. To obtain an accurate determination of theCO₂ content of the exhaled gas, the sensor is positioned on or near thenose tube of the nasal cannula. By positioning the sensor 221 in closeproximity to the nose (or preferably in the nose) the sensor 221 will beable to obtain an accurate determination of the CO₂ composition of theexhaled gas in the open system presented by the nasal cannula.

[0104] A target or desired gas composition of the exhaled gas is storedin a memory or storage device 225. The storage or memory device 225 isprogrammable, so that the stoichiometric composition of the targetexhaled gas can be altered, if necessary. A comparitor 225 compares thegas composition of the exhaled gas to the target gas composition andoutputs a swing signal which is received by the CPU 213. The swingsignal is used to adjust timing or rate of the signal sent to thesolenoid 211 to increase or decrease the flow of oxygen to the user. Theadjustment of the oxygen flow is based on the difference between thecompositions of the exhaled gas (G_(e)) and the target fractional gas(G_(t)). Thus, based on the swing signal, the CPU will generate increaseor decrease the interval between activation signals which are sent tothe solenoid 211, to increase or decrease the flow of oxygen to theuser. For example, during exercise, it has been shown that the demandfor oxygen consumption goes up; thus we would expect that the oxygencontent of the exhaled gases to be substantially lower than thecomposition that would be found in a sedentary activity level, or duringsleep. Similarly, carbon-dioxide composition of the exhaled gases wouldgo up when metabolic rate goes up (due to exercise). Thus, when theG_(e) falls below G_(t), the rate of gas delivery is increased, and whenG_(e) is greater than G_(t), the rate of gas delivery is decreased. Thetarget stoichiometry or composition exhaled gas (G_(t)) can bepre-programmed and altered if necessary. The value of G_(t) depends onseveral factors, including patient disease, disease state, history anddemographic information).

[0105] Turning back to FIG. 1, the container 10 is kidney shaped (i.e.,a curved, elongated oval) in top plan, having a top and bottom 20, frontand back walls 22, and curved end walls 24. The kidney shape of thecontainer 10 allows for the container 10 to be placed in a carryingcase, such as seen in FIG. 12. The carrying case can be made from mostany material. For example, it can be made from leather or woven, knittedor wound filament textile yarns. Because the container is molded, theexternal configuration of the container can be generally any desiredshape. For example, the container can be shaped and configured to bereceived in a fanny pack, or in a holster-type container which could besuspended from a user's belt, as seen in FIGS. 12-18.

[0106] A pair of elongate biasing ribs or dividers 28 extend between thefront and back walls 22 of the container 10. The ribs 28 define hollowslots 30 in the container 10. The ribs 28 are generally centered withrespect to the ends 24 of the container 10, and effectively divide thecontainer into three horizontal sections or passages 12 a-c, joined by apair of vertical passages 12 d-e along the end walls of the container.

[0107] As noted, the container 10 is molded, and can be molded in anydesired configuration, so that it can conform to a desired shape.Further, the ribs or dividers 28 of the container can also be molded inmany different configurations. Other possible configurations of thecontainer and ribs are shown in FIGS. 3-5. The container 10A of FIG. 3includes four ribs or dividers 28A arranged in a 2×2 array. The ribs arekidney shaped in cross-section and define slots 30A extending betweenthe front and back walls of the container 10A. The four ribs 28A definethree vertical passages or channels 32V (two outer and one centerchannel) and three horizontal passages or channels 32H (an upper, alower, and a center channel) through which the pressurized gas can flow.

[0108] The container 10B of FIG. 4 has numerous triangular shaped ribsor dividers 28B which define slots 30B extending between the front andback walls of the container 10B. As seen, the triangular ribs 28B definevertical channels 32V (including two outer channels and a pair ofcentral channels), three horizontal channel 32H (an upper channel, abottom channel, and a center channel), and several diagonal channels32D.

[0109] The container 10C of FIG. 4A is also provided with hollowtriangular shaped ribs or dividers 28C, but in a different pattern. Thedividers 28C define side vertical channels 32V; upper, lower, and middlehorizontal channels 32H; and crisscrossing diagonal channels 32D, all ofwhich are in communication with each other, either directly orindirectly.

[0110] The container 10D of FIG. 5 is shown to have nine elongate ribs28D which define rectangular slots 30D extending between the front andback surfaces of the container. The ribs are arranged in a 3×3 array,and hence define four vertical channels 32V (two outer and two centerchannels) and four horizontal channels 32H (an upper channel, a bottomchannel, and two central channels).

[0111] The hollow ribs or dividers in the container provide structuralrigidity to the container. Other rib/slot shapes and arrangements can beused. For example, the rib/slots could be circular. Further, althoughthe ribs/slots are shown to have flat or planar side walls, the walls ofthe ribs/slots could be convex, such that the channels defined by theribs/slots would be generally circular in cross-section.

[0112] The containers 10A-D of FIGS. 1-5 are all static or rigid inshape. That is, they maintain the same shape, regardless of how full orempty they are. To help maintain the shape of the rigid containers, anon-metallic plate can be provided to help maintain the shape of thecontainer. When the container is pressurized, the pressure in thecontainer will tend to cause the container to balloon slightly. Aftermany cycles of use, the container may begin to loose shape. Hence, thewalls, for example of the kidney shaped container of FIG. 1 can bereinforced with a non-metallic plate which will, to some degree,counteract the forces of the pressurized gas. Preferably, the materialfrom which the plate is made has a “memory”, such that, any deflectionin the walls of the container due to pressurization of the container,will be substantially eliminated when the container is empty ordepressurized. Thus, this plate will tend to return the container to itsoriginal desired shape. It will also help reduce the amount ofdeflection or ballooning of the container when the container ispressurized. The plate can be made from a material such as Kevlar.Alternatively, it can be made from a rubber or plastic. The plate can beapplied to all the surfaces of the container, or only selected surfacesof the container, as may be desired.

[0113] The containers shown in FIGS. 6-10, on the other hand, arecollapsible. These containers, as discussed below, collapse at leastpartially when empty, and expend when filled (pressurized). In selectingcandidate materials for the collapsible container, it was important tochoose a polymeric material that would maintain its elastic propertyover varying temperature conditions and through many cycles ofpressurization and use, without creep or rupture, and at the same timebe moldable. Furthermore, it was important that the polymeric materialpossess high tensile strength, so that it does not deform easily undertensile load due to internal gas pressure. The polymeric materials notedabove for the liner 12 all work well with a collapsible/expandablecontainer. Additionally, the collapsible/expandable container is made insubstantially the same way as the rigid containers 10-10D. A polymericliner is initially molded in a desired shape. Preferably, the liner ismolded to be in the relaxed or collapsed state. The liner is coated withan adhesive, and a high tensile jacket is wound about the walls of theliner. As with the containers 10-10D, the fiber material is in a threadform, and is wound about the container so that the direction of thethread is perpendicular to the direction of the force exerted by thepressurized gas held within the container.

[0114] A first collapsible/expandable container 50 is shown in FIGS. 6and 7. The container 50 is generally ladder shaped. That is, it has twoouter rails 52 and 54 and a plurality of horizontal members or rungs 56extending between the rails 52 and 54. The rails and rungs are allhollow and communicate with each other, as seen in FIG. 7. The rails 52and 54 define vertical channels through which gas can flow, and therungs 56 define horizontal channels through which gas can flow. Thechannels are all rectangular in cross-section, but could be oval, round,or made to have any other desired cross-sectional shape. The rungs 56are molded to be generally wavy when in a relaxed state (i.e., when thecontainer is not pressurized). When the container 50 is pressurized(i.e., filled with pressurized gas), the rungs 56 will straighten out,as seen in FIG. 7. For the threads of the reinforcing jacket toreinforce the container of the container 50, the reinforcing threads arewound about the rungs 56 and about the rails 52 and 54, so that the axesof the threads are normal to the axes of the rungs and rails.

[0115] The container 60 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is made in a pillarconfiguration, as opposed to a ladder configuration. The container 60includes hollow top and bottom sections 62 and 64 which definehorizontal channels, and three hollow posts 66 which extend between thetop and bottom sections and define vertical channels which communicatewith the horizontal channels. The top and bottom members 62 and 64 arerigid. However, the posts are pleated or accordioned. Hence, thecontainer 60 can be collapsed in a vertical fashion when it is notpressurized. When the container 60 is pressurized, the posts 66 willstraighten out, and the container will expand in a vertical direction(with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9). The pleats or accordions of the posts66 serve a purpose in addition to the expansion and contraction of theposts. The pleats or accordions also act as ribs, which help reinforcethe structural integrity of the container 60.

[0116] The posts 66 and top and bottom members 62 and 64 are allcircular in cross-section, and define interconnecting cylinders.Although they are circular, the posts and top and bottom members couldbe formed in other shapes. Additionally, more than three posts could beprovided, and, in fact, if the top and bottom members were made wideenough, the posts could be arranged in an array.

[0117] As seen in FIG. 9, the regulator R of the container 60 is moldedinto the container, giving the container a low profile regulator, andallowing for the hose H1 to essentially extend from the surface of thecontainer. The regulator R includes a control knob K to allow foradjustment of the flow of gas (oxygen) from the tank. Additionally, thecontainer is provided with gauges G which are in operable communicationwith the tank. At least one of the gauges is a pressure gauge to showthe user the pressure in the container. Other gauges could also beprovided. For example, the other gauge shown could be a volume gauge, sothat the user would not have to convert pressure into a volume, toenable the user to more easily determine how much gas is left in thecontainer.

[0118] Another collapsible/expandable container 70 is shown in FIGS.10-10B. The container 70 is a columnar container or generallyrectangular container having front and back walls 72 and side walls 74all of which are pleated or accordioned, as seen best in FIGS. 10A and10B, with pleats or fold lines 76 defining sections of the front andback walls. Although the container 70 is shown to be generallyrectangular, it could also be square, round, rectangular, or any otherdesired shape. The container 70 is made from the same materials, and inthe same manner as the containers 10-10D, 50 and 60. Like the containers50 and 60, because the container 70 is made from flexible materials, andbecause the reinforcing jacket surrounding the container liner is woundaround the front, back, and side walls of the container to be normal tothe axis of the container, the container when empty, or unpressurized,will be in a contracted or relaxed state, and will expand when filledwith gas and pressurized. Then, during use, as the container is emptied,it will contract to its relaxed state.

[0119] The container 70 is shown to have a regulator knob K and gauges Gon its top surface. The knob and gauges G of the container 60 were shownon the side surface of the container.

[0120] As discussed above, the pressurized containers 50, 60, and 70,move between an expanded state when pressurized, and a contracted orcollapsed state when emptied or not pressurized. The containers 50, 60and 70 are formed in the collapsed state, and hence, the collapsed stateof the container is its normal position. Thus, the containers areexpanded upon pressurization. The polymer from with the container lineris made has a memory. Thus, as the gas is expelled from the container,the memory of the liner will cause the liner, and hence the container,to collapse towards its normally collapsed position. The threads fromwhich the reinforcing jacket is made are wound about the varioussections of the container to reinforce the container against theoutwardly directed pressure, exerted by the gas within the container.However, the wrapping of the threads about the container will notinterfere with the extension (or expansion) and collapse of thecontainer. The ability of the containers to contract or collapse hasseveral advantages. First, because the containers collapse or contractwhen empty or unpressurized, they take up less space than whenpressurized. Hence, more unpressurized containers can be shipped in asingle shipment or stored in a desired location than a traditionalcontainer which does not contract. Additionally, because the containercontracts as the gas within the container is used, the extent ofcontraction of the container can serve as a rough indication as to howfull the container is. Of course, the extent of contraction cannot besubstituted for the meters associated with pressure containers toaccurately determine how much gas remains in the container.

[0121] The expandable/collapsible containers 50, 60, and 70 and the morerigid containers 10-10D all include various different elements tostrengthen them. The containers 10-10D include hollow ribs or dividerswhich define slots which extend between the front and back walls of thecontainer; the container 50 includes the rungs extending between theside rails; and the containers 60 and 70 include pleats or accordions intheir walls. Additionally, the containers 10-10D, 50, and 60 all definemultiple channels having at least two side vertical channels whichcommunicate with top and bottom vertical channels. The multiple channelsdefined by the slot forming ribs 30-30D of containers 10-10D, the rungs56 of the container 50, and the posts 66 of the container 60 allincrease the surface area of the container for a given volume of gas inthe container. Although the containers shown all include a top channel,a bottom channel, and two side channels; one of the interconnectingchannels could be removed. For example either the top or bottom channelcould be removed; or one of the side channels could be removed. For thecontainers 50 and 60, the channels also provide structural integrity tothe container to prevent the rungs 56 or the posts 66 from movingrelative to each other significantly. Thus, if one of the connectingchannels is removed, it would need to be replaced with a wall to holdthe positions of the rungs or posts relative to each other.

[0122] As can be appreciated, the containers 10-10D, 50, 60, and 70 arelight weight, and hence can be easily carried by a user. Preferably, thecontainer is sized so that it can fit into a carrying case. The carryingcase can take on many forms. It can be a purse-like case (FIGS. 12-15)which is carried over a shoulder, with the strap hanging generallyvertically down the user's side, or across the user's body; a back-pack(FIGS. 16-17), or even a waist or fanny-pack (FIG. 18).

[0123] Turning to FIG. 12, the carrying case 200 can be seen to begenerally kidney shaped, generally matching the shape of the container10 of FIG. 1. The case 200 has a body 201 and a cover 203, which incombination define a cavity sized and shaped to receive the container. Astrap 205 extends from opposite sides of the carrier body 201 to allowthe carrier to be carried on a user's shoulder, with the strap 205either hanging straight down from the shoulder or across the user'sbody. In other words, the carrier 200 can be carried like a purse. Thecarrier cover 203 can be opened to gain access to the container withinthe carrier to allow for adjustment of the regulator knob to controloxygen flow from the container, or to insert or remove the containerfrom the carrier. Additionally, the carrier cover 203 has an opening 205through which the hose H1 passes. The kidney shape of the carrier 200conforms the carrier somewhat to the curvature of a user's body,allowing the carrier to be carried comfortably adjacent a user's body.

[0124] As can be appreciated, the shape of the carrying case will vary,depending on the shape of the tank or container. For example, thecarrier 210 of FIG. 13 is sized and shaped to receive the container 70.Otherwise, the carrier 210 is generally similar to the carrier 200.

[0125] An alternative carrying bag 220 is shown in FIG. 14. The carryingbag 220 includes a body 221 and a flap-type cover 223. The cover 223includes a window 225 to facilitate viewing of the gauges G of thecontainer which indicated the container pressure and for example, thevolume of gas remaining in the container. When the cover 223 is opened,the user will have direct access to the regulator control knowassociated with the container to control the flow of oxygen from thecontainer. A pocket 227 on the side of the container body 221 is sizedto hold the hose H1 and the conserver C when the carrier and tank arenot in use. An opening (not shown) inside the pocket allows forthreading of the hose H1 from the main compartment of the carrier to thepocket 227. A shoulder strap 229 extends up from opposite sides of thetop of the body to allow the carrier 220 to be carried. As best seen inFIG. 15A, the strap 229 includes a tube 231 which extends along one sideof the strap. The tube 231 includes a slice or groove 233 to allow thehose H1 to be snappingly received in the tube 231. The tube 231preferably extends a length so that the tube 231 extends from near thebase of the strap 229 to a point near the user's shoulder, for example,as seen in FIG. 16. The conserver C could be clipped to the strap 229 onthe shoulder. The tube 231 will keep the cannula hose H1 in place, andthe hose will not get tangled or pulled. Hence, the user will not needto worry about the hose H1 being pulled from the container.

[0126] An alternative carrier 241 is shown in FIG. 15. The carrier 241is generally similar to the carrier 221, except that its window 243 ison the forward side of the carrier 241. Additionally, instead of havinga tube which receives the cannula hose H1, the strap 245 defines ahollow passage 247 through which the hose H1 is threaded, as seen inFIG. 15A. The passage 247 extends generally from base of the strapadjacent the carrier to just about the shoulder of the user. At thispoint, the passage 247 has an exit and the strap is attached to ashoulder pad 249.

[0127] Back pack carriers are shown in FIGS. 16-17. The back packcarrier 260 includes a body 261 and a cover 263 which defines acompartment sized to receive the oxygen container or tank. The cover isshown to be closed by a zipper 265. However, the cover 263 could beclosed by any other conventional means, such as a buckle and strap,Velcro strips, snaps, etc. The cover 263 includes an opening 267 throughwhich the hose H1 passes, and, as can be seen, the hose is held to theback pack strap 269 by a tube, identical to the tube 231 of FIG. 14A.The back pack 260 includes a window 271 through which the containergauges can be seen. The back pack also includes a handle 273, oradditional strap, on the top of the back pack between the straps 269.The handle 273 allows for hand carrying of the back pack 260.

[0128] Another back pack 280 is shown in FIG. 17. The back pack 280includes a main back portion 281 with a front 283 that opens along azipper 285. The back pack includes a rigid base 287 to provide moresupport for the tank or carrier. A window 289 on the front 283 allowsfor viewing of the gauges G. The back pack is provided with waist straps291 and shoulder straps 293. A cross-strap 295 extends between theshoulder straps 293. The hose H1 exits the back pack at the top, andnear the back, of the back pack. The cross-strap 295 includes a channelor opening 297 through which the hose H1 extends to hold the hosegenerally in place.

[0129] Lastly, a waist or fanny-pack 300 is shown in FIG. 18. The fannypack 300 includes waist straps 303 which buckle together in the front tohold the pack on the user. One of the straps 303 includes a tube ortunnel 305 through which the cannula hose H1 extends. The conserver canbe mounted to the strap 303 spaced slightly from the tunnel exit, or onthe other strap; and the hose H2 will extend from the conserver C to theuser's nose.

[0130] As can be appreciated, although only a few forms of carriers areshown, the carriers can take on many other shapes and sizes. The aboveare only examples, and show some desired features of the carriers—awindow to view the gauges and a tube or tunnel to hold the cannula hose.The various carriers can also be provided with handles, in addition tothe straps, to allow for hand carrying of the carriers. Further, thecarrier, which is made of a flexible material, such as cloth, vinyl,leather, or the like, can be expandable, for example, by incorporatingpleats in the various walls of the carrier. An expandable carrier willbe able to expand and contract with the expandable/collapsiblecontainers. Additionally, an expandable carrier can also accommodatedifferent sized, or slightly differently shaped carriers.

[0131] As various changes could be made in the above constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. The slots of the individual containers 10-10D are all ofthe same shape. However, a single container could have slots ofdifferent shapes. Thus, a container could include various combinationsof rectangular, triangular, and round slots. The rungs 56 of thecontainer 50 are shown to be generally horizontal, but could be alteredto be generally vertical. Similarly, the posts 66 of the container 60are shown to be generally vertical, but could be made to be generallyhorizontal. As noted above, the container is preferably molded as aunitary, one-piece structure. However, the expandable/contractiblecontainers of containers 50 and 60, could be made of multiple parts. Theexpandable sections (i.e., the posts 66 of container 60 and the rungs 56of container 50) could be made independently of the rigid sections(rails 52 and top/bottom channels 62) to which the expandable sectionsare attached. Although the conserver shown is a pneumatic conserver, theconserver could also be a solid state conserver. The rungs 56 of thecontainer 50 are wavy as shown, and form multiple waves. However, therungs 56 could define only part of a wave, and hence form a concave orconvex arc between the rails 52 and 54. The conserver C of FIG. 11 couldbe made without the exhalation chamber 105. In this case, the portbetween the inhalation and exhalation chambers would be omitted, and gaswhich escapes through the exhalation valve would pass to the atmosphere,rather than to the inhalation chamber. These examples are illustrativeonly.

1. An ambulatory storage system for pressurized gases; the storagesystem including: a pressurized gas container; valving, including aregulator, on the container to control the delivery of gas to a user; ahose extending from the valving and having a fitting on the end thereofto deliver the gas from the container; and a conserver; the conservercomprising: a body having an inhalation chamber and an exhalationchamber; said inhalation and exhalation chambers being in fluidcommunication with each other via a first port; a valve in said firstport to selectively open and close said first port; a diaphragm in saidinhalation chamber dividing said chamber into a first part and a secondpart; an outlet passage extending from said body; said outlet passagebeing in communication with both said inhalation chamber and saidexhalation chamber via an outlet port and an exhalation port,respectively; said body including an outlet valve in said outlet port toselectively open and close said outlet port and an exhalation valve insaid exhalation port to selectively open and close said exhalation port;a neck extending up from said body; said neck defining a chamber andincluding an inlet connectable to a source of oxygen; a plunger in saidneck axially movable in said neck chamber between an upward position andlowered position; said plunger having a stem in operative engagementwith said diaphragm to move said diaphragm down as said plunger movesdown; a seal around said plunger to define an air-tight seal betweensaid plunger and said neck; said seal dividing said neck into a neckupper chamber and a neck lower chamber; said plunger being biased to anupward position by a spring element; a control passage extending fromsaid neck to said exhalation valve to place said valve in communicationwith said neck chamber; and a supply passage to place said neck incommunication with said inhalation chamber second section; said supplyand control passages being reciprocally placed in communication withsaid neck upper chamber and hence said neck inlet as said plungerreciprocates between its upward and lowered positions.
 2. The ambulatorystorage system of claim 1 wherein said conserver is remote from saidregulator; said hose comprising a first section extending from saidregulator to said conserver and a second section extending from saidconserver to said fitting.
 3. A conserver for conserving oxygen suppliedfrom an oxygen tank to a person; the conserver comprising: a body havingan inhalation chamber; a diaphragm in said inhalation chamber dividingsaid chamber into a first part and a second part; an outlet passageextending from said body; said outlet passage being in communicationwith said inhalation chamber via an outlet port and including anexhalation port; said body including an outlet valve in said outlet portto selectively open and close said outlet port and an exhalation valvein said exhalation port to selectively open and close said exhalationport; a neck extending up from said body; said neck defining a chamberand including an inlet connectable to a source of oxygen; a plunger insaid neck reciprocally and axially movable in said neck chamber betweenan upward position and lowered position; said plunger having a stem inoperative engagement with said diaphragm to move said diaphragm down assaid plunger moves down; a seal around said plunger to define anairtight seal between said plunger and said neck; said seal dividingsaid neck into a neck upper chamber and a neck lower chamber; saidplunger being biased to an upward position by a spring element; acontrol passage extending from said neck to said exhalation valve toplace said valve in communication with said neck chamber; and a supplypassage to place said neck in communication with said inhalation chambersecond section; said supply and control passages being reciprocallyplaced in communication with said neck upper chamber and hence said neckinlet as said plunger reciprocates between its upward and loweredpositions.
 4. The conserver of claim 3 including an exhalation chamber;said inhalation and exhalation chambers being in fluid communicationwith each other via a first port; a first valve in said first port toselectively open and close said first port.
 5. The conserver of claim 4wherein said exhalation port places said exhalation chamber in fluidcommunication with said outlet passage.
 6. The conserver of claim 3including a volume control to adjust the maximum volume of theinhalation chamber.
 7. The conserver of claim 6 wherein said volumecontrol includes a rotatable knob on said neck; said knob including ashaft extending through said neck and being operatively connected tosaid piston, such that said piston is rotated in said neck due torotation of said knob; said piston shaft having a threaded end receivedin a threaded hole in said diaphragm disk; such that rotation of saidpiston shaft moves said diaphragm disk axially relative to said pistonshaft.
 8. The conserver of claim 7 wherein said piston is movableaxially relative to said knob shaft.
 9. The conserver of claim 3 whereinsaid first valve and said outlet valve are check valves.
 10. Theconserver of claim 3 wherein said exhalation valve is a diaphragm valve.